> Fill container so that the bottoms of the bulbs are just touching the water.

> Keep at room temperature in a well-lighted area. After shoots emerge, keep out of the direct sun (otherwise the foliage will stretch toward the sun). When roots have formed and green stem shoots are 1 to 2 inches long, pour off the water and replace with a solution of 4 to 6 percent alcohol. If you are using 80 proof liquor (40 percent alcohol), that works out to one part gin (or similar) to 7 parts water.

> Rubbing alcohol (70 percent isopropyl alcohol) can be substituted; just remember to dilute it more. Mix 13 parts water to 1 part rubbing alcohol.

I know many folks who swear by this. I also think it helps to seek out a paperwhite with a naturally shorter habit, like Galilee. Another factor is light: the more sun they get the less they will be inclined to "stretch."